Refugio Frey, Patagonia Backcountry Hut Report: Wind, Powder, & Pizza

Guest Author | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report
Amazing terrain surrounds Frey.
Amazing terrain surrounds Frey.

words and photos by Billy Stepp

We set off from the base of Catedral on a adventure of epic proportions. It was Ashley, our guide Lucas Jacobson who is a Bariloche local, and Alex Lemieux a guide from Utah who also joined for the quick trip to the hut.

Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral.
Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral.

First challenge on Tuesday was the high winds and closed lifts on the mountain. We could have taken the summer trail but it would m have been half the fun. We set off and skinned from the base to the top ridge near the Nubes Chair. Once at the ridge we were faced with 60+ mile per hour winds and an icy traverse across a sketch patch. Falling was not an option.

The homemade pizza at Refugio Frey is top notch.
The homemade pizza at Refugio Frey is top notch.

Once across we dropped into a massive bowl with plenty of room to link some turns. Once at the bottom we skinned through the valley, crossed the stream and started our climb to the hut. At this point it was late in the day and the sun was down past the ridge line. Before we knew it headlamps were on as we made the final push up the frosted ridge to the hut.

Panorama from the ridge
Panorama from the ridge

Once the at the hut we were greeted by friendly smiles and a warm place to dry off. A couple cold cervezas were in order along with a nice steak dinner. Not exactly what I expected at a backcountry hut! The food was delicious.

Cerro Catedral.
Cerro Catedral has some terrain.

With so many options right outside of the hut you can eat breakfast and plan your lines. There was a few days of heavy winds so some spots were really effected but others really benefitted as pockets of powder were to be found on the right lines. Some spots were a bit icy with a nice crust on the surface but it was very manageable.  Everything was really stable so slide danger was fairly low. The amount of terrain available from the hut ranges from open bowls to tight and technical lines.

Bootin' around Frey
Ashley bootin’ around Frey

This place was mind blowing with insane views in every direction. The après ski did not disappoint as the hut is well run, affordable, and serves excellent food!

Refugio Frey has onda.
Refugio Frey has onda.

This is a must do trip when in the area.

The author skinning up.
The author skinning up.
Views from Catedral ridge.
Views from Catedral ridge.
Torre Catedral and friends.
Torre Catedral and friends.

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2 thoughts on “Refugio Frey, Patagonia Backcountry Hut Report: Wind, Powder, & Pizza

  1. Fantastic adventure for mature skiers.
    It is so nice to see you all enjoying your adventure and we appreciate your sharing with us.

  2. Nice report, next time we will do it. Our tour co-ordinator did recommend it however the resort skiing was so good while we were there, it was hard to head out.

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